Cirque Studios

Joy of Creation

2011-03-26T05:11:00.001-07:00

I finally get it now, what my photography is to me. It's my art. That might seem obvious but it's my truest hobby, perhaps not my career path. I can't bring myself to shoot without inspiration or just for the sake of taking a photo. My expectations for the images I create are higher than those anyone else may have for me. My capabilities don't always match my expectations. I am intimidated by the work I've done in the past and I often feel pressured to create an image that has the same effect as those past, from a viewers standpoint. So as to please my audience. But truthfully, some of my favorite images are photos that majority overlooks. Commercial work might get my name out, working with new people often might help word of mouth but I really only want to shoot my inspirations. I'm constantly inspired. Trouble is, I lack the resources I often desire to create my vision. Be it the proper face which conveys the proper mood or attitude, the proper weather or setting and most certainly, the proper equipment.
Confession: I shoot with a Canon Rebel XTi and the kit lens that came with it. I don't have fancy lenses. The manual for my studio lights is in chinese and half my modeling lamps are burnt out. My process is less than ideal but it does what I need it to do most of the time. Nearly everything you see in my portfolio was done with this equipment.

Visiting home in MI this past November, I was reminded again of my process, the flow in which I create. Meeting up with Jenni Lee; my forever muse and dear friend Leah to collaborate and play was refreshing! I love when we can come together, throw out ideas and experiment to create spontaneous magic. The images you see in this post were the results of that rendezvous. I hate viewing my photography as an obligation or work. I want to create. I want to make a call, send a text or FB message and have someone come by, just to mess around and see what genius is born. I'd love to pack the car full of miscellaneous accoutrements, scoop up a fancy face and drive around until I'm struck by that familiar creative lightning. No expectations, just the joy of creation.

What I love about my art, about photography, isn't the superficial pretty things. I don't do it for the sake of feeling cool with a camera in my hands or getting to know a lot of attractive people. My love of photography is really a love of light and color, sometimes the absence of color, of lines and curves, of negative vs positive space, of movement and of emotion.

Planning a childrens charity event...WHD 2010

2010-07-24T11:03:00.000-07:00

As of today, I have official begun organizing a World Hoop Day event to take place here in Greenville. Last years WHD was very last minute on my part (48 hours in advance, eep!!) and I'm hoping to make this years even more successful!! The year I began hooping (2008) I volunteered at a World Hoop Day event in downtown Detroit. 08-08-08 it was that year. I always found it interesting that WHD fell on the one day of the year that not only are all the numbers of the date the same but the numbers themselves create little hoops and loops!!! This year, the event will be on 10-10-10 which to me resembles a little stick figure person holding a hoop, three stick persons to be exact..... =D

Right now I'm looking for local companies or organizations that'd be interested in participating in this event, either as sponsors or donors to the cause. I'd like to have an area with free snacks and beverages for the attendees to enjoy. It's also tradition that children receive free hoops to take home with them. Funding for this will have to be determined, whether local hoopers will donate handmade hoops for the kids or if we'll have to raise enough to purchase the super tiny, super cheap and lightweight hoops you find at dollar stores and elsewhere. The issue with the tiny cheap hoops is that they're near impossible for most adults to use and with the amount of children I'm hoping that will show, adults will be in surplus as well, so I'd like to accommodate. =D

Naturally, many members of Thee Inner Cirkus will be in attendance, as many of them hoop also. Not only will there be hooping but I think it's safe to say there will be stilt-walkers, jugglers and spinners of all sorts as well! <3

A short video of last years WHD, modest in size but still SUPER FUN!! That's me in the purple skirt!!!

Now, as summer has officially begun and the heat wouldn't let us forget it if we tried, I have HOOPS FOR SALE!! Now, I know the general complaint has been that it's too hot outside to hoop and I don't disagree. BUT, I can't let that stop me from doing what I love!!! So I've been taking my hoop downtown to the waterfall/fountain by O-Cha Tea Bar (on the river walk) to play in the water and keep cool. There's also a nice area under Main Street just down the walk where it's shaded all day long and the pavement isn't too hot to be barefoot. =D

So, no excuses for not hooping folks!!! Especially when downtown G-ville has so much sanctuary to offer!!!
The hoops I have currently for sale are shown in the photograph below but DON'T FORGET, I can do custom orders as well so if you don't see colors you like, let me know!!! Regularly $30 each, I'm offering a summer special on hoops. One hoop for $25 or two hoops for $40!!! AND if you buy a hoop, you get 50% of my Beginners Hoop Classes for the duration of your attendance! =D

I'm not going to pretend that WHD isn't for some personal gain as well. My goal is really to spread the love of hooping to the community of Greenville as it's already been done in Asheville and most of the West Coast, not to mention Detroit of course. I want to show YOU how much fun hooping can be!!! How beautiful it is as form of dance and how beneficial it can be to your health, both mental and physical!!! =D Thus, I'm now teaching. =D

Cirque Studios presents: The Art of Hoop Dance!!!

2010-05-29T14:22:00.000-07:00

Embrace your inner dancer and become one with hoop flow as you sculpt your body, heighten your sensory awareness and enjoy an action packed cardiovascular workout! No previous experience necessary. Hoops will be provided. Wear comfortable clothing and bring hydration! ALL SKILL LEVELS WELCOME.

As of Tuesday June 7th, I will be teaching The Art of Hoop Dance @ the Mauldin Cultural Center!

These sessions are pre-registration only and there are 2 different sessions available:
Tuesdays 6 - 8 p.m.
(June 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th, July 6th due to the Holiday, 13th, 20th, 27th

Wednesdays 6 - 8 p.m.
June 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th, July 6th, 14th, 21st, 27th

$120 per 8/wk session, no refunds
Adults and children 15yrs+
Class size is limited
Please RSVP
Click Here to download the Registration Form
Hoops will be provided and available for sale =D

Performance Experience

2010-05-29T12:51:00.000-07:00

• Stars and Stripes Festival
Hula Hooping
Mount Clemens, MI 06.29.08

• The Last Gaff
Hula Hooper
Warren, MI 07.12.08

• World Hoop Day, Detroit 08-08-08
Hoop Teacher and Volunteer
A collaboration with Blight Busters, SPARC and the Detroit Dream Project

• Magick Rhythm Festival
Fire Hooping
Emmett, MI 08.09.08

• Michigan Renaissance Festival
Hula Hooper
Holly, Mi 08.24.08 & 09.14.08

• DIY Street Fair
Hula Hooper
Ferndale, Mi 09.20.08

• Fahrenheit Festival
Fire Hooper
LaSalla, Ontario, Canada 09.27.08

• Deadly Intentions Haunted House
Hula Hooper
Warren, Mi 10.3.08/10.10.08

•World Hoop Day
Organizer and Hula Hooper
Falls Park, Greenville, SC 09.09.09

•West End Arts Festival
Hoop Dancer
Greenville, SC 09.19.09

•Night of Musings @ Acropolis Restaurant
Hoop Dancer
Greenville, SC 10.10.09

•Skinfull Halloween
Hoop and Fire Dancer
Charleston, SC 10.24.09

•Twilight Ball @ Zen
Costumed Strolling
Greenville, SC 11.14.09

•Chronos Confusium @ The Warehouse Theatre
Hoop and Fire dance
Greenville, SC Jan 1st & 2nd 2010

•Mardi Gras @ The Warehouse Theatre
Hooping and Stiltwalking
Greenville, SC 02.05.10

•Amusement on the Avenue/Party for the Parks by Charleston Parks Conservancy
Hoop and Fire dance, Flags and Stilt walking
Charleston, SC 03.13.10

•Kids Choir Luncheon @ Trinity Lutheran Church
Hoop dancer and instructor
Greenville, SC 05.16.10

•Valentine Wolfe @ The Sugar Shack
Freestyle hoop strolling
Greenville, SC 05.21.10

Videos of me in Action!

2010-05-29T12:39:00.000-07:00

You can see more of me by checking out my YouTube channel, HERE! =)

Flow practice in the studio

January 1st - Chronos Confusium fire show @ The Warehouse Theatre

LED Hoop Practice with the Detroit Fire Guild 2009 ♥

January 2nd - Enlightening local entrepreneur Trey Pennington

Upcoming Events!!!

2010-05-29T12:34:00.001-07:00

April 17th: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. YMCA Caine Halter Branch, Healthy Kids Day

May 7th: Greenville Duck Derby, Reedy River Falls Park

May 14th/15th: Finster Fest , Georgia

July 19th: Tuesday, 5 - 7 p.m. Augusta Library Hoop Playshop

More dates to be announced soon!

Are you into Renaissance Festivals? Would you do an act or show at a party with a Ren Faire theme?

2010-05-22T00:07:00.001-07:00

I LOVE renaissance festivals! Frequented them when I lived in MI. I hear there's a good one in NC? I have performed at a renfest before on a small scale, at the closing drum circle but YEA, I'd do a theme party. My costuming might need some work though...

What do you REALLY want to know?

Costumes, Cats and a Girl Who Loves Her Hoop =)

2010-05-04T19:18:00.000-07:00

I've been so caught up lately with house hunting and wedding plans, not to mention that Thee Inner Cirkus is going through some changes. Sorry to neglect you, my darling blog. I have a few treats for you though however!

A short video of me attempting to teach local media entrepreneur Trey Pennington to hoop during his interviews with us backstage at Chronos Confusium:
Good sport Trey. =)

While fooling around today with cabaret costumes for Thee I.C.'s dress rehearsal tomorrow night, I decided to document my outfits. A few shots/outfits I enjoyed:

< That's my cat Jeffity Jeff Jeff Banjo God of Biscuits.

And yea, I'm actually on the phone. Multi-tasking, what what?!! >

Lastly, a TEASER! Last time I really wrote, I mentioned the wedding in FL. It was beautiful and a truly great mini vaca. Much needed. Erin and Drew made the entire shoot super easy, an adorable and lovable couple. This shot really struck a few chords in my heart:

do you prefer fire hooping or normal hooping?

2010-05-03T23:48:00.001-07:00

I MUCH prefer regular hooping to fire hooping. Fire hooping is limited to a certain time of day when the light is right and my movements are limited as well. I'm not good with limits.. Normal hooping is more people friendly as well, can be done anywhere nearly any time and I don't have to think about the fire, I don't have to think at all and THAT'S the real answer.

What do you REALLY want to know?

When are you going to make a hoop made from lasers, dreams and starlight?

2010-05-01T17:24:00.001-07:00

Plans are in the works actually! ;) You just wait, stay tuned!

What do you REALLY want to know?

What's your favorite thing about hooping?

2010-04-29T08:48:00.001-07:00

Easy. The movement! It's a stress reliever and unavoidably fun! Always a good pick-me-up when I need one. My hoop is the best friend I've ever had!

What do you REALLY want to know?

Sunshine and Celebrations!!!

2010-03-25T13:46:00.001-07:00

The performance in Charleston went spectacularly despite on and off rain and gusty winds. The booking was amazing, great music, entertainment and food. ;) Andy and I stilted, spun fire, spun LED and I even brushed up on my poi/flags a bit. The wind made for an exciting time with the flags, smacking me in the face every other rotation, worth it though! I learned a new way to walk on stilts, that looks and feels like natural walking but puts a LOT of strain on the hip joints. I also learned to dance a bit while stilting!
The party was to support Charleston Parks Conservancy, a GREAT cause that both Andy and I are passionate about! Here are just a few of the many amazing photos we've found from the gig so far:

This weekend Andy and I are headed to Palm Beach, FL to shoot a friends beach wedding. Woo! I haven't been to FL since fifth grade and even then, there was very little beach involved. =) The weather looks as though it's going to be cooperative, I only wish I hadn't lost my sunglasses in Charleston... Boo! I got little burnt yesterday while napping in Cleveland park but only on one side so maybe I can even that out this weekend, eh? Things to add to the shopping list: Aloe and SPF 30. The wedding is going to be a lot of fun though, me thinks; good folks, relaxed environment and Andy will be shooting film again finally. YAY!

Do we all know where I stand on film photography? No? I find it NECESSARY in honing your photo skills. It teaches you techniques and patience that you will not learn with digital. And I'm sorry Digital, but you'll just never be as sharp as film. Not without post processing up the wazoo...

Anywho, I'm excited to spin on the beach to the soundtrack of waves. That's a sound one could never get bored of, waves. Second to the sound of waves I think would be train whistles blowing. MmmHmm <3

The sun is up!!!

2010-03-08T19:18:00.000-08:00

Actually, it's down at the moment...but on average..it's out more than it's not!! By which I mean, the weather has been gorgeous as of late!!! Hehe.

A friend just gave me a tip on a REALLY cool location in the area that I absolutely must scout for a potential shoot. . =)
Speaking of shoots, I have a few shots from the last McAuley's photo shoot that I did. We shot at Kings Grove Stables in Central. The folks there were really nice and the horses reacted well to flash photography, which is always nice... No panicky animals..always nice...

Anywho:

I'm a TOTAL sucker for faded paint on wood, and textured backgrounds in general.... And the sun was PERFECT! =D

Andy and I have a performance gig this Saturday in Charleston. Unfortunately, my stilts have to be reworked as one has a split down the center. Eep! On the upside, ROADTRIP! =) The weather is supposed to be absolutely divine all week.

Caliente!! Video! =)

2010-03-07T13:43:00.000-08:00

Footage by Kevin Bost. Edits by Meeeee!

Super Rad!!

2010-02-22T16:32:00.000-08:00

Saturday night we of Thee Inner Cirkus threw a party at local venue The Hangar. It was great fun and I hooped for HOURS! In case your curious, the Barnum & Bailey kids DID come and enjoyed the little performance we gave. Crickett the clown, Chelsea and Blazer (guitarist for the house band) were the good sports that came out. We spun fire at the end of the night, after which we had a cuddle puddle, then hit up our usual late night hot spot, the Waffle House near our house. =) Mmm, heavenly hashbrowns...

Sunday my new hooper friend Niko and I went to see the Ringling/Barnum show Funundrum and it was great! Saw Chelsea again, Crickett in his full costume ...

(adorable, no?) and met Billy, a sweet little clown with a real life gansta attitude. Haha. The show itself was a bit PG and disney-fied but the skills were so impressive! Niko teaches hoop fitness on Sundays so we kidnapped Chelsea of the B&B crew and brought her with us. If your looking for a fun fitness class, check hers out!! I'm more of a hoop dance instructor myself, in case you were wondering why I was promoting elsewhere. =) As a massage therapist, Chelsea schooled me on my crap posture (which I AM already very aware of) and now perhaps I'll pay more attention to correcting it! She said it should take about 2 week of conscious correcting to "fix" my bad habits. I.E. Slouching when taking photos or on the computer, tucking my tailbone under when I stand or walk so that my back doesn't hurt so much. All good points...

Sunday night we (Niko, myself and Andy) spent a multitude of hours back on the Ringling train hanging with the performers. Americans are vastly in the minority and the various accents were beyond my understanding... We came to realize though how very normal all these individuals were, at least normal by my standards... You'd expect them to be superbeings, living the life they do... And the life they live can be CRAZY, doing 2-3 shows a day for several days in a row... But really, life on the train reminded me a bit of college... Living in a tiny room (although the rooms on the train were the size of my bathroom in the dorms), almost constant socializing and the inability to get away from others. A life not for those prone to occasional bouts of hermit-ism, or homebodies... The bonus being that there is ALWAYS something going on. Life on the train being a community of 300-400 people, imagine the things you'd do, learn and see!! I was extended an invitation to travel with them to Philly as that's where they are this week but alas, the cold in Philly was discouraging and I wouldn't have had any clean clothes...haha. Someday though, truly. Next time we meet up, in this city or another, I'm along for the ride! =D
On Wednesday I had a vintage style photoshoot with Katrina Chief from North Carolina. This was our second shoot together and she is SUCH a doll!! She requires little to no direction and her smile is killer! Dresses from The Clothing Warehouse. Here's a teaser from the shoot (and I'll be the first to say that my optimizing skills could use some improvement, any suggestions?!):
You can see more on my flickr, or my facebook. Links on the right of the page...

Carolina Cup shoot this weekend with McAuley's...will post teasers sometime next week!!

For all other photographers reading this, mpix.com is having a %50 off sale on 8x10's that ends on Saturday!!! My experience with Mpix has been great and their metallic prints are gorgeous!!! I'll be getting some made for my portfolio and a few shows I plan on entering here in the near future....

Cirkus Partay!!

2010-02-19T16:56:00.000-08:00

I'll be performing tomorrow night with Thee Inner Cirkus at local venue, The Hangar. It's a public party, open to all. $5 donation appreciated. And it will be worth it!!! There will be fire performances by some and hooping by many!!!

Feb 20th from 8pm to 2am
The Hangar
730 Wade Hampton
Greenville, SC

Andy met a few of the Ringling/Barnum performers today and word is they may make an appearance at the party...you wouldn't want to miss that would you?!

It's supposed to be a warm weekend and it's about time!! I'm looking forward to tank tops and leggings again ♥. =)
I'm looking to setup hoop classes all official like but am still searching for the proper venue. Any ideas?

Crazy week! Plans are being made to formalize my business, Cirque Studios, which will include all these freaky things I do. =) I've e-mailed at least half a dozen venues regarding their space as photo sets. We'll see what responses I get. I imagine footwork will be required....

On Monday of this week, our car passed away. Into that mechanical afterlife that overworked vehicles go to... I was driving to McAuley's in Anderson and when I hit the 1/2 way point by Pelzer it sounded as though I'd just hit a mechanical Chewbaca... that was the end of it. Thanking my lucky stars for our friend Cheryl (aka C the Firefly) for lending us this awesome red truck until we figure things out.

Saw MacBeth last night at The Warehouse Theatre. Such a good show!! Our friend Paul plays MacBeth and does a fantastic job!! It's such a great feeling to be associated and involved with so many, many talented individuals here in G-ville. ♥ Makes me forget feeling heartsick for all those I left back in Michigan, at least for a little while...

This sappiness is the result of listening to The Cranberries for the last 20 minutes. =)

-Live from her new MacBook
SeaJae

The Ups and the Downs..

2010-02-14T17:21:00.000-08:00

Many of you may have already heard about the sad passing of one of the WORLDS great designers, Lee McQueen, the genius behind Alexander McQueen. A friend of mine wrote a lovely but brief post on this as well: The Queen is Dead. As far as designers go, McQueen was at the top of my list, right up there with Roberto Cavalli. McQueen brought such imaginative and genus beauty to the industry of fashion, a few pieces for inspiration:

I had a photo shoot this past Monday with a few of the McAuley's girls. It was really just a practice shoot for me as I haven't been out in the field as often as of late. I'm still fiddling with the results but a few shots I really love:

There's Katie again! The other model featured is Ashley Fields, another lovely face. =)

Photo overload yet?! I have a few more for you... Last week we of Thee Inner Cirkus performed downtown at the Warehouse Theatre (our favorite local venue) for their Mardi Gras party. A few highlights:

For those of you who don't know, that's me with the purple dreadlocks. Yes, they're real. =) What you can't see is the 30+ little gold bells tied to the end of each for festive purposes! In the second photo, that's my fiance aside me.... The man with the looong legs. =)

A few more things before the day is over, Happy Valentine's Day! I back this sappy holiday 100%. Inspiring people to emote is a beautiful thing. =) I'm off to the theatre with my fella shortly....no idea which film we'll be seeing, another lovely surprise!

Formerly known as...

2010-02-14T15:21:00.000-08:00

I'm finally back! The idea that I originally had for this blog just wasn't working for me so I took a little hiatus to focus on other things. Formerly known as Food For Models, I had intended this blog as a sort of informational resource for those looking to get into the industry. It got a little too stressful trying to come up with "lesson plans". So here I am, back with a new name, one that will encompass both my photography experiences and my work as a professional hula hoop dancer. YAY! Hopefully I'll still think to incorporate tips into my photo posts as so many of you expressed how much the previous tips have helped. =)

Since last posting, I've moved from the beautiful but cold state that is Michigan to the upcountry of South Carolina! The main motivation for moving here was to help fuel the cirkus movement in an unsuspecting city. I'd say SUCCESS! In addition to my photography work and performing, I'm also designer/moderator of Thee Inner Cirkus's blog as well. Check it out! Our designated blogger would be my FIANCE Andy aka Greenman.. Yep, I'm engaged!

It happened early December the evening that Cirque Du Soleil had so wonderfully decided to grace our city. =) I thought seeing Cirque's show Alegria WAS the surprise, but no no no! After the show, Andy took my hands, his shaking, and proposed. He'd spoken so quietly my first response was "What?", to which he repeated the question. I don't know that I ever officially said yes but I think I had time to nod my head before tears took over. Naturally, being the sap that I am, I proceeded to cry and repeat "really?" for the next 45 minutes. Several of our friends were in attendance at the show as well, one, little miss Modisette, was in on it! OH, and the ring?!

I had not-so-subtely lead Andy into a jewelry/gemstone store a couple weeks previous, dropping hints like bombs. I had myself sized so that there wouldn't be any guesswork and chose a stone. Mystic Topaz. ♥ The ring that he presented to me was PERFECT! The tear-shaped stone I now say symbolically represents the many I shed from happiness that eve. =)

So now we're in the process of planning a wedding, Long distance albeit as the ceremony and reception will be in our homestate of Michigan...

Anywho, moving to Greenville...I have an entirely new appreciation for vintage! Much thanks to The Clothing Warehouse for employing Andy and opening our eyes. As a photographer, The Clothing Warehouse is a great resource for me to get inspiration for styling. Not to mention the employees are cooler than a polar bears toe nails. Yea, I said it.

In addition to cirkus antics like performing, selling hoops and teaching lessons, I also do work for McAuley's Unique Boutique in Anderson doing product photos. It's not as boring as it sounds, I swear! I love clothes as much as the next girl and this gig has introduced me to some fabulous faces.
Case and point, Katie Barrs:
If you are a photographer, stylist or make-up artist in the area, you should be working with Katie. Stunning features, great attitude and very natural body language. :D

Alright, information overload? End post. I'll be updating again VERY soon. Scouts honor.

Love, Peace, and Chicken Grease!
SeaJae

On The Set

2009-05-13T23:56:00.000-07:00

Friend and fellow photographer Leah of Ninth Life Studios put together a short video of a shoot we worked on together back in February. While the idea for the shoot had long since been planned, the actual details were a bit spontaneous. We had hoped to shoot in the snow but alas, the weather didn't cooperate (does it ever in Michigan?) so we had to improvise.

To create a white backdrop we first tried to spray paint the wall. As you can see, that wasn't working out.... Leah and I eventually made a run to the local hardware store to buy primer and rollers. We decided to just paint a giant white rectangle on the wall to serve as a built in backdrop!!! No footage of that, sorry. What you missed was me wearing an outfit of plastic bags to protect my clothing and Leah making use of her well-developed wall painting skills. Maybe I can post some stills from the rejected video bits later....

My favorite shot of the day:

Model Cattie created the outfit that she wore as well as the headpiece/wig (Which I now have up for sale, any takers?) Her cat, whose name I can't recall, was a shy, fluffy thing and not at all accustomed to the attention she was getting that day. I guess that's the price you pay for being so darn cute!!! My cat, the late Ms. Cleopatra was quite the opposite and turned on the charm for my camera every chance she had.

R.I.P. My little love...

Another cat that appreciates the attention is Ms. Twig, master of Theatre Bizarre here in Detroit. If you aren't familiar, check it out. Quite possibly my favorite local venue and far beyond explanation... I recently assisted Leah on a shoot at TB and as usual, the folks who live there were welcoming and gave us free rein of the area. Twig welcomed us with an incredible leap from one of the stage rafters and provided an appreciative purr in response to our company. She made herself at home in front of Leah's camera alongside model of the day Jill Z. Leah, photos?!!!

Anywho.....the following are some images from a photoshoot I put together at Theatre Bizarre just over a year ago:

Haha. This is what I call a snowball post. I honestly had no idea where I was going to go with this when I started but hey, lots of eye candy for you, yea?! =)

Don't forget to comment with any suggestions for future topics and feel free to e-mail me with any questions...or job offers... ;)

- SeaJae

The #1 Model-Must-Have: ENERGY

2009-05-13T13:58:00.000-07:00

Energy doesn't necessarily mean walking onto set w/ Starbucks in hand and buzzing enough to power a lightbulb. Although, when used properly, such energy can get you serious brownie points. =) By energy, I mean a proper attitude and a willingness to GO FOR IT. Put insecurities and personal conflicts aside, you're there for business and it's time to perform.

Behind the scenes:
Be interactive; make your rounds and get to know your crew. Lend a hand in any way you can and avoid sitting stagnant if you can help it. Make sure that you are completely aware of the goals for the shoot and what is expected of you.

It's often the case that as the model, you're the busiest person on set as YOU are in high demand and constantly in motion. However, your crew makes it happen and they deserve credit. Try and get the names of the individuals you work with. Sometimes, it's just not possible to remember them all but at the very least, acknowledge those who are assisting on the shoot. Once their work is done, it's all up to you to make their hard work come alive!!!

In front of the camera:
Whether you're working a paid gig or on a TFCD (Time for CD/Trade work) basis, give it your everything. Paid work generally implies that results of the days work will be needed to serve a purpose and it's more-or-less your responsibility to make sure that all parties get what they need from the shoot.

Trade is great for those who are looking to gain experience and it's a great time to test and challenge yourself in front of the camera without the pressure of a deadline that often comes tied to paid work. Trade work still requires you to perform at your best. While you might think that the lack of monetary compensation leaves you without any real incentive, consider that should the day be a total success, word-of-mouth and a good reference can get you a looonnngg way. Not to mention, you might come up with something during a trade shoot that can catapult your portfolio to whole new levels!

Now, to the highlight and most important thing I will say in this entire post, MODELS.... Variety is key. Energy means movement, it means giving a wide range of expressions via face and body language. Keeping in one position or making the same face throughout the entire shoot doesn't generally sit well with photographers. I fully understand that models do sometimes get nervous and freeze up, I understand what it's like to forget your plan and be left with a completely blank. HOWEVER that is why practice and confidence are SO important. I can't even stress how important it is to practice, Practice, PRACTICE. In front of a mirror, with friends, while multi-tasking or when taking self portraits. Know your body and learn how to work it. Learn what flatters you and what doesn't. Then use what you've learned during all possibly opportunities.

My chosen example for this post is Supermodel Coca Rocha, seen above and in the following video as giving an incredibly energetic performance at all times:

If you're up to practicing or could use a little critique, do some self portrait work and send it on over!! I'd be more than happy to see what you come up with and make suggestions! =)

Cestseajae@gmail.com

Genres of Modeling

2009-04-26T23:47:00.000-07:00

Fashion models are used mainly to promote apparel. Fashion modeling generally can be divided into two categories (editorial and runway) Editorial modeling is usually focused on print work and magazine spreads for ad campaigns. Runway is the live modeling of designer garments on catwalks. Glamour photography is often times confused for fashion as it can often included some of the same elements. While glamour modeling can sometimes be considered fashion, true fashion modeling should not be mistaken for glamour modeling. You’ll notice that in most of the ad campaigns of large magazines like W or Marie Claire , the images generally have very little to do with the models as persons and are focused more on projecting an appealing product. Fashion images often times show the model interacting with the product (clothing, perfumes, sunglasses, purses, etc..) and one of the latest trends is to incorporate some element, location or prop that is random and unrelated.

The first fashion model was believed to be a shopgirl from Paris by the name of Marie Vernet Worth. She became the first professional mannequin in 1853, to help her fashion designer husband, Charles Frederick Worth.

Commercial modeling is similar to fashion photography in that it focuses on a product. However, commercial modeling tends to be more conservative and focuses on print magazines such as JC Penney’s, Delia’s and I’d even say Seventeen, although I know many would disagree. Commercial modeling usually requires a casual and generic appearance, projecting the “girl next door” look. Stores like Gap and Old Navy are, for example, more commercial than fashion.

Glamour modeling emphasizes the allure of the subject. Photographers will use a combination of cosmetics, lighting and airbrushing techniques to produce the most physically appealing image of the model as possible. Model Dita Von Teese is one of the most recognizable glamour models. Glamour modeling is most recognizable in publications such as Playboy and Maxim .

Fitness modeling centers on displaying an athletic physique. Fitness models usually have defined muscles like bodybuilders, but with less emphasis on muscle size. Sports’ modeling is often considered fitness modeling as athletes undergo considerable training and have incredibly fit bodies.

Lingerie modeling is a subcategory of glamour modeling. Victoria’s Secret has really cornered the market on appeal when it comes to lingerie modeling. Playboy also features a great deal of lingerie models. Does this one really need much explanation? =)

Bikini models are similar to fitness models with emphasis on a fit physique and the beauty of the female curves.
For women, usually the models can be shorter, around 5 ft 5 in-5 ft 8 in (1.65 m-1.73 m) and need to be in the range of 90–110 lb (41–50 kg).

An alternative model is any model that does not fit into the normal categories. The countercultures such as punk, goth, fetish, etc, are all considered alternative. Having a uniqueness that is outside the norm generally establishes an individual as an alternative model. Models like Viktoria who is an amputee or Scar who has considerable scarring would be considered alternative models. Alternative sometimes mixes with high fashion and art modeling.
Thanks to publishers such as Goliath in Germany, alternative models and punk photography became known to a larger audience.
Check out this article by Photographer Nadya Lev: What does “ALT” Model even mean?

Fine Art Modeling is when photographers, painters, sculptors, and other artists hire models to pose for their art. Modeling for drawing classes or being body casted would fall into this category. My personal favorite fine art photographer is Steven Gelberg. His muses, Emakhet and Wynd, would be considered fine art models. His work is considered fine art because of the nature of his portraits and the process in which he produces them, non-digitally. Due to the digital age, film work is often considered “fine art” as a result of it’s “old fashioned” technique and historical significance.

Theme/Fantasy- A subcategory of “fine art”, is usually determined by a very specific “story”. For example, many photographers like to do fairy series in which they will digitally alter the models to have wings. See Suza Scalora’s book The Fairies or J. Corsentino’s Time of the Faeries series. (I actually own The Fairies by Suza Scalora and the imagery is STUNNING!) I’ve also seen a lot of photographers do series of storybook characters such as Alice in Wonderland or comic book characters like Tank girl. Portraying characters in this manner would be considered theme or fantasy modeling.

Parts Modeling is an often overlooked form of modeling. Some modeling agencies have divisions which represent male and female models with particularly attractive body parts. For example, hand models may be used to promote nail care products, leg models are useful for showcasing tights, and wrist models are used to showcase watches or bracelets. Body part models also sometimes find themselves catering to the desire of fetish work. i.e. foot fetish enthusiasts. It’s just another aspect of the industry.

Storms of Spring

2009-04-25T11:34:00.000-07:00

As the gorgeous thunderstorm that is rocking Detroit right now keeps me inside, I figure this is as a good a time as any to get the hard part of this blog over with: Why did I create this blog, what purpose does it really serve and who am I to give models advice?

I am a 23 y/o photographer and my forte has become photographing models of the female specie. I've been at this for a while and I suppose my official status falls somewhere between freelance and professional. Sometimes I get paid, most of the time I don't because $ is not my driving force. Creating an image that speaks of the individuals character, that expresses a new facet of their personality, that is what drives me. The faces are only the beginning, body language follows and attitude conquers all. Art for arts sake.

In the several years that I have been photographing models, I've found that even the seasoned models have questions sometimes or need a little direction. After so long, I wound up with a pocket full of advice and quick tips that I use during nearly every shoot. Many of the models new to the scene confess that they'd happily take all the direction they can get! Many come to me and say, "Nobody every told me that, Thanks!" or "That's what that means!".

My goal for this blog is to make mention of the little things, or the really big things, that models are just magically expected to know. Maybe by way of this blog, models of the universe will gain all the secret knowledge that has been lost to them and become the beautiful leaders of the human race. Or, maybe they will pick up on something that makes their next photo shoot a tiny bit more of success. *shrugs*

Now, an opportunity for shameless self-promotion.
To see samples of my work, you can follow any of the links below:
ModelMayhem
MySpace
Flickr
Zenfolio

If you have any questions regarding modeling, I am taking topic suggestions for future posts. I aim to serve. =)

OH Jessica...

2009-04-24T14:43:00.001-07:00

Supermodel Jessica Stam, my celebrity of choice, shows here that everybody falls!!! I'm just glad to see a professional with a sense of humor! I'm not sure if this shoot was for serious, I have my doubts. =)